Krakow, the former capital and the second-largest city of Poland is a captivating and charming destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for travellers of all kinds. Whether you are interested in medieval castles, Renaissance art, Jewish heritage, or Polish cuisine, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Krakow. Here are the top 5 things to do in Krakow in 2024, based on popularity, beauty, and diversity.
Wawel Royal Castle
1. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral
The Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral are the most iconic and impressive monuments in Krakow and one of the most important and sacred sites in Poland. The Wawel Hill, where the castle and the cathedral stand, was the seat of Polish royalty and the symbol of Polish statehood for centuries, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle and the cathedral are a showcase of different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque, and feature a rich collection of artworks, artefacts, and treasures. You can explore the interior and exterior of the castle and the cathedral, and admire their artistic and historical features, such as the royal apartments, the crown jewels, the tapestries, the tombs, and the dragon’s den. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the river from the castle’s terrace. The castle and the cathedral are open every day, except on Mondays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in summer, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter. The admission fee varies depending on the type and the number of tickets, but it ranges from 25 zloty to 55 zloty for adults, and from 15 zloty to 35 zloty for children and students. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but it is advisable to book in advance, as the castle and the cathedral are very popular and the tickets can sell out fast.
2. Explore the Kazimierz District
The Kazimierz District is the former Jewish quarter and the most lively and trendy neighborhood in Krakow, and one of the most popular and attractive areas to visit in the city. The Kazimierz District was once the centre of Jewish life and culture in Poland and was the scene of tragedy and horror during the Nazi occupation and the Holocaust. Now, it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries, that celebrate the Jewish heritage and modern creativity. The Kazimierz District is also home to some of the most historic and iconic landmarks and attractions in Krakow, such as the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, the Galicia Jewish Museum, and the Schindler’s Factory. The Kazimierz District is open every day, and is free to access. You can walk around the neighborhood, or take a tram, a bus, or a metro to explore its sights. You can also join a guided tour or a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
3. Enjoy the pierogi and the vodka at the Zapiecek
The Zapiecek is the most famous and the most delicious pierogi shop in Krakow, and one of the most indulgent and irresistible things to do in Krakow. The Zapiecek is located in the Old Town, near the Main Market Square, and has been making and selling the pierogi, the traditional and exquisite Polish dumplings, since 1993. The pierogi are made with a thin and soft dough, filled with cheese, meat, mushrooms, or fruits, and boiled or fried. The pierogi are best enjoyed hot and fresh, accompanied by a shot of vodka or a glass of beer. The Zapiecek is open every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The price of a pierogi is 15 zloty, and the price of a vodka or a beer is 10 zloty. You can buy your pierogi and drinks at the counter, or sit at one of the tables in the cosy and rustic rooms.
National Museum
4. Discover the art and the culture at the National Museum
The National Museum is the main art museum in Krakow, and one of the most important and beautiful museums in the country. The National Museum is located in a modern and elegant building, near Błonia Park, and displays more than 780,000 works of art, from the 12th century to the present day, with a focus on the Polish and European schools. The museum is famous for its collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints by artists such as Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański, Jacek Malczewski, and Olga Boznańska. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include the Battle of Grunwald by Matejko, a huge and powerful painting that depicts the victory of the Polish-Lithuanian army over the Teutonic Knights in 1410, the Stained Glass Windows by Wyspiański, a stunning example of Art Nouveau design, and the Girl with Chrysanthemums by Boznańska, a delicate and expressive portrait of a young woman. The museum also has temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events that showcase the contemporary and emerging art scene in Poland. The National Museum is open every day, except on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The admission fee is 15 zloty for adults, and free for children and students. You can buy your tickets at the entrance, or book online.
5. Experience the nightlife and the fun at the Stary Port
The Stary Port is the most lively and fun pub in Krakow, and one of the most popular and attractive places to visit in the city. The Stary Port is located in the Old Town, near the Wawel Castle, and has been making and serving the beer, the traditional and refreshing Polish drink, since 1996. The beer is brewed on-site, and comes in a variety of flavours, from light to dark, from wheat to honey. The beer is best enjoyed cold and fresh, accompanied by a snack or a meal. The Stary Port is also a place of culture and entertainment, with live music, karaoke, quiz nights, and sports screenings. The Stary Port is open every day, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The price of a beer is 10 zloty, and the price of a snack or a meal is 20 zloty. You can buy your beer and food at the bar, or sit at one of the tables in the spacious and cosy rooms.
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